The Mechanism of Hope
--
Sanctuary, 1:45 a.m.
"Do you think she will adjust well?"
"Of course. Why else would I pick her?"
"In the past your judgment has been wrong."
(chuckle) "Only you could tell me that."
"That's why I'm your confidante."
"Of course, I completely forgot."
"Have you any plans for her yet?"
"I'm going to wait until she settles in. I don't want to get my hopes up over nothing."
"Like the other prospects?"
"Mm, yes."
"Just be careful."
"I always am."
--
Sanctuary, 7:45 a.m.
Amber eyes opened. The cobwebs of sleep were shaken away, and for a moment, Massie forgot where she was. The fire, her parents. But then, like the rising tide of the ocean, it came rushing back.
The Mob. The Fire.
Sanctuary.
She started, throwing off the covers. She looked anxiously around her room. It was small, but serviceable. A bed, a dresser, a desk and chair, and, tucked in a corner, a door leading to a modest bathroom. Massie fell back on her pillows, feeling relief wash over her. She was safe. She was okay. But all of this happened so fast. One day she had been playing with her dog in her yard, getting ready to go back to school, and the next, she was in California at a virtual boarding school. How could this have happened? Massie clenched her eyes shut, wishing she was back home. That her parents were safe, that Bean was still alive, and she could have a normal life. Massie opened her eyes, defeated.
After she had left Claire's office, Allie-Rose has shown her to her room. Sanctuary was actually shaped like an exclamation point, with the Town Hall, or other community buildings in a straight line, and the other, residential buildings in a circle not too far away. Allie had loaned her a pair of jeans and a t-shirt to wear until Allie could drive her the mall. Massie relished this small piece of normalcy. After staring at the ceiling for a few moments, Massie stood, getting up from the bed. She was still wearing her sweatshirt and pajama shorts. It was still summer, and the sun was shining.
It was warm outside in the quad. There were seven dormitories, all built in a circle, with a spacious lawn in the middle. There were a few kids walking with friends, on their way to breakfast. Massie looked helplessly around her, and then started walking in the same direction.
"Hey-Heads up!" A football came sailing over her way. Massie had no time to avoid it, and only blankly stared as the football came closer and closer and-
Was gone.
Massie whipped her head around, and saw a boy no older than her holding the football. He was tall and lanky, with shortly cropped sandy colored hair. He smiled apologetically at her.
"Hey sorry 'bout that dude." Massie chafed at being called 'dude'. The boy in front of her scratched his head, and ran off, so fast he was a blur. Massie's hair went blowing back.
'What a weird kid.' she thought.
--
The Orderlies had thrown the patient back in her cell. It was really a black box, with a toilet and small bed. In her filthy shift, the small child managed to crawl onto her bed. She sobbed, tears pouring out her eyes. She hugged her arms to her chest, comforting herself since there was no one to comfort her. In the silence, she lay alone.
She had existed in that cell for many years. She could barely remember life outside of it. She could barely remember her humanity, her dignity had been stripped bare. How could she ever forget? The Doctors existed in her nightmares, reaching for her, and chasing her until she had been caught. The horrors she had suffered at the hands of her oppressors were many, and she hated them for it.
"Hello? Is someone there?" The poor girl was alert with fright at a small, whispered voice. It was coming from the wall. She crept down slowly, like an animal afraid to be hunted. She bent down to the cement floor. There was a hole, at least three inches wide, and through it was a blue eye. The girl started, surprised to say the least. The eye blinked. Once, twice, and then the same voice came through again.
"Hey!" The small girl crouched down closer to the cracked hole. She was hesitant.
"Hello?" The blue eye widened.
"Hey!" Was that the only word this person knew?
"Who are you?" She had every reason to be suspicious. How did she know this wasn't one of The Doctor's tricks? She had heard it happened. People appeared and got you tell them things. And then they'd turn you in. And you were never heard from again. The patient knew to be wary.
"A prisoner. Just like you." The patient could tell it was a boy who was speaking to her. About her age, eleven or so. The patient, instead of being confused, merely rolled her eyes.
"I meant your name."
"Oh," there was a pause, as if he had forgotten his own name.
"Cam. What's yours?"
"Claire."
--
Sanctuary, 9:15 a.m.
Two bodies were entangled in red sheets. The first, a woman, was being held quite protectively by her bedmate. His torso lay bare for the world to see, as hers was, with only the silk of his bed covers to sheath them. The woman was the first to wake. She opened her eyes lazily, as those who are accustomed to waking in such a fashion are wont to do. She shifted, turning, so she could look into the eyes of her lover. His eyes opened. They were what she loved most about him. There were so contradictory. One was jade green, bright as could be. The other a dark and stormy sea of emotion. The eyelids rested half lidded, shutting them partway.
"G'morning," was his mumbled greeting. He seemed quite pleased to wake up this way. Not that she could blame him, the woman thought smugly to herself. She too, was quite comfortable. She brushed the coal black hair out his eyes. She smiled at him. His hands and arms extricated themselves from the rest of her body, so that he could prop himself up better. He sat up, while his bedmate flopped back down.
"I could get really used to waking up every morning this way." she murmured. She smiled and exhaled heavily through her nose.
"You think we should get up?" he asked her. One of his lover's eyes popped open.
"Never." She crawled over to him and pecked him on the cheek. He caught her chin with one of his hands and kissed her. When they parted, both were breathing heavily.
"So, feel like getting dressed?"
--
Los Angeles Mall, 10:00 a.m.
Massie's arms were tired.
She was carrying at least six shopping bags, three in each hand, and as all of them were filled with a variety of clothes, toiletries, shoes, and other amenities, Massie was sure she was building muscle. On her left, Allie-Rose strolled alongside her, unencumbered by any bag at all.
"Enjoying the mall?" Allie-Rose turned to her. Massie rolled her eyes.
"My arms are killing me." Allie-Rose chuckled.
"That's the price of beauty sweetie. So what store are we going to next?"
"What?!" Massie whined. "My arms are so dead! I don't think I could hold another bag!" But Allie ignored her.
"Ooh! There's a sale in Delia's! Let's go!" She grabbed Massie by the wrist and dragged her into the store. Inside were collections of brightly colored cords and jeans, ironic t-shirts and decorative hipster dresses. Massie waddled over, weighed down by all of her bags. Allie leisurely picked her way through racks upon racks of clothes, holding each item up for scrutiny before placing it back, or throwing it her arm. Massie was content to watch Allie to rifle through stacks of sweaters, trying to find her size. Allie reached in deep and pulled out a purple, long sleeved sweater.
"Massie! Come look at this sweater!" Massie groaned and walked as one condemned to death.
"Massie, isn't this just darling?!" Allie exclaimed. "It would look perfect on you!" Massie grimaced.
"Allie, I don't really think I need any more clothes."
"Nonsense! You'll look terrific!" Allie pushed Massie to a dressing room, shutting the door behind her, with the sweater. Massie pulled her t-shirt on and pulled on the sweater. It was v-necked and quite simple really, but set Massie's collarbones off to her best advantage.
"Massie?" Allie rapped on the door. "Did you get it on?"
"Yes!" Massie called, before opening the door. Allie clapped her hands together.
"I told you it would look great! You so have to get it!" Massie groaned.
"But I don't need it!"
"You look great!"
"But I don't need it!" Allie took out her credit card, rolling her eyes.
"Take the sweater off. You need this Massie. Trust me." Massie went back into the dressing room. In a few minutes, the sweater was bought and paid for, and was the seventh shopping bag on Massie's arm.
--
Sanctuary, 11:45 a.m.
"So, can I get a tour?" Massie was walking alongside of Claire, who Massie had met on her way back from putting away her clothes in her new room.
"Yes, if you don't mind that I have to go to a board meeting in fifteen minutes." Claire was carrying with her, a briefcase.
"No, I don't mind. Can I go with you?" Claire looked at the teenager.
"No you can't go! Besides, it's really boring stuff. You would hate it."
"Oh c'mon! Please! It would help me adapt to the environment better?" Massie laid it on thickly.
"No. Don't look at me like that, no. No… Okay fine." Massie let out a triumphant whoop of delight. Claire checked her watch.
"Let's go. I'll introduce you to the board members and the junior committee. Then after that I suppose I'll give you the tour." Claire started walking towards Town Hall, Massie keeping pace with her. Idly, Massie wondered what was in Claire's briefcase. They approached Town Hall after crossing the quad. A few people dotted the granite stairs up to the front doors, and some waved hello, but most were unaffected. Claire passed the front desk greeting Alicia hello, before veering off left where a bank of elevators waited. Inside, Massie finally took a look around. The elevator was made of polished mahogany, but the most peculiar thing was the panel which held the buttons for the floors. Rather than starting at one and working their way up, the buttons started at zero and worked their way down. The number zero was at the top of the panel, with a star next to it to symbolize it was the ground floor. Below that was a second of numbers, one, two and three. These rows of number went down all the way to ten. And, if Massie was right, all of these floors were underground. Claire pushed the third floor's button and waited pleasantly, unfazed. The elevator started its smooth descent. When the doors slid open, Massie couldn't help but gasp. The hallway in front of her was long, and made of spotless black granite. The black floors shone, and dark wooden doors lined imposingly on either side. Claire noticed Massie's apprehension.
"If you're wondering, these are all of the boardrooms. Upstairs are the general offices, and below us are the archives and gym. Some of the department head's offices are on this floor too. Massie read some of the plaques on various doors. 'Financial Affairs', 'Public Relations' and 'Development' were among the many vague positions held. Claire stopped at one of the doors on the left. Out of her pocket, Claire pulled out a small I.D. card; and slid it into the lock on the door. The door's lock chirped happily, and access was granted.
Inside was a collection of people, young and older, some Massie's age, but most Claire's age. The boardroom was a dull, run of the mill room, with a long desk and leather chairs lining it. There were no windows, of course. When Claire entered the room, all of the chatter that had filled the room ceased.
She took her place at the head of the table, and pulled up a swivel chair for Massie. Massie gratefully sat.
Claire opened her briefcase and pulled out a black folder.
"Okay, people, let's get this over with," Her tone held an authoritative note in it; even Massie stopped squirming in her seat. "I want this over by one-thirty, at least. Derrick, what's the situation with the Miller's?"
Derrick, a blonde man, about a year older than Claire with icy blue eyes, consulted his own black leather notebook before speaking:
"I've arranged for a meeting tomorrow to finalize the deal. Strictly over the table. They'll have their lawyers and we'll have ours." Claire nodded, before scribbling something down on her yellow pad.
"Excellent. Amy, what's the status with the press?" A petite brunette spoke up from the far end of the table.
"CNN wanted to conduct an interview with you and Mr. Fisher, what my team told them under no circumstances would you speak with them. Derrick had to do some damage control before they left." Claire raised an eyebrow before turning to Derrick.
"Not too invasive I hope? I don't want them breathing down my neck with abuse charges."
"No. I planted the suggestion they'd not question our decision and not go prying. It seemed to take hold. I also had to wipe the fact they knew where we spoke. Precautions."
"Of course."
The rest of the meeting was filled with more boring topics, which had Massie regretting her curiosity. The budget, (which, to Massie's astonishment, was quite large.) a foundation for GenD children, and other smaller matters. Once the meeting was over, Claire was taken aside by Derrick. Massie tried to listen as best she could.
"Where was Cam?" Derrick's voice was accusing and frustrated. Claire seemed unimpressed, if not outright insulted.
"He had to work with the foundation people. This project is taking more time than we thought. Derrick, if you want to question him, don't try to go through me. He would have been here if he was able to."
"Claire, this is the third meeting he's missed. What have you got him doing now?" They were arguing now, voices raised more than what was deemed polite. Most people were gone from the room, and the remaining board members and junior board members were trying to get out as quickly as possible.
Massie slipped away into the hallway. She shut the door behind her. She gave a start when she came face to face with a redheaded and blonde-haired girl. They were struggling to listen. They gave a sign to keep quiet. Derrick and Claire's voices were raised quite loudly now, and it was almost unnecessary to keep their ears to the door.
"Why do you always think you can tell me what to do Derrick?!"
"I'm only concerned for your wellbeing! If you would stop being so stubborn and look at what you're doing, maybe you'd realize you're working yourself to death!"
"Derrick! It's none of your business how long I work! And I do not 'work myself to death'!" It was getting pretty heated now, the two were shouting at each other. Massie cringed. Claire sounded really angry. Massie almost fell over the girls pressed against the door.
"Claire, get off the ridiculously high horse you're seated on and get back to Earth. The committee is counting on you to lead them. And that doesn't include issuing demands like they're from above high. You're using the foundation for all the wrong reasons!"
There was a dull smacking sound, it resonated through the door. Massie flinched. Claire had slapped Derrick, and pretty hard from the sound of it. The door opened, and Massie, along with the two girls behind her, tripped over themselves to get away. Claire was seething, looking as cold and untouchable as ever.
"I won't ask. Massie, come on. I'm giving you that tour." With such a look on her face, Massie didn't dare refuse. She stood up from the two girls who were now entangled on the floor. Massie had to try hard to keep pace with Claire. But Massie threw a glance behind her shoulder, and saw Derrick leaving the boardroom, and angry red mark on his cheek.
--
Claire had finally cooled down enough for Massie to feel safe speaking.
"So, where are we going?" Claire gave a sidelong glance.
"The gym. A lot of people tend to hang around there." The elevator door chimed as the slid open. Claire pressed the 'four' button. Massie had barely any time to think before the re-opened.
The fourth floor was much different than the third. Glass walls peered into a giant weight room, and an indoor pool stood on the left side of the hallway.
"There's a sauna further down," Claire informed her in a bored voice. "And showers and locker rooms too."
Massie nodded, following what she said. They were passing the pool. Massie could see people swimming laps, but around the fringe areas saw individuals simply talking and conversing. A few waved upon seeing Claire, but if Claire saw them, she did not acknowledge it. The weight room was seemingly full, with both men and women alike. But there was more. Claire was walking towards a pair of large double-doors. She punched in an access code on a panel next to the door. A light glowed green, and with a click, Claire was granted access into the room.
"This is the training room." Massie let in a gasp.
The room was enormous. The floor was covered in mats, used primarily for wrestling, as well as the walls. The whole room smelled of cleaning supplies and rubber. One wall, directly across from Massie, was covered in training weaponry. Wooden swords and foils, as well Bo staffs and…were those num-chucks? Claire put down her briefcase, and stretched her arms above head, yawning as she did so.
"God, I'm so tired. I could really go for a latte or something." Massie wasn't really surprised. Claire must get up really early on a regular basis.
"Is there a coffee shop nearby?" It was the first time Massie had spoken in a while. Claire nodded.
"Down the road a ways. It's local, but they make a really good cappuccino." Claire yawned again.
"So, Claire…" Massie was apprehensive. She had wanted to ask Claire what were her powers as a GenD person, but, would she find it rude?
"So, Massie?" Claire cracked a smile.
"So, Claire, what's your power? I mean-If that's too personal, if you don't want to, I mean it's-"
"Mass, calm down," Massie colored at the sound of her childhood nickname. "It's no big deal. I don't mind, really. And if you're wondering…" Claire drew her arms out wide, palms upward. Something flickered for a moment, something so quick Massie wasn't sure if it had actually happened. Then, with her eyes closed tight with concentration, blue energy flickered again, crackling again, building on itself until it a miniature blot of lightning was in each palm. She cracked open an eye.
"Massie, get one of those targets from the corner please." Massie obliged, dragging an oval bull's-eye from the far wall.
"Stand back." Claire brought both her palms together, and folded her fingers except her pointer fingers, like a gun. A bolt shot from her fingers, and hit the center of the target neatly. At least until the target caught on fire.
"Oh shit. Might've overdone it a little." A whining went through the room, and the overhead sprinklers came on. Massie gave a Claire a dry look as her hair began to darken with the torrential downpour.
"Gee, 'ya think?"
--
"So, Claire-Bear. You're the reason for that unwanted cold shower." It was Derrick, to little surprise. Claire look mildly annoyed.
"I said I was sorry." The way she was sulking, one would mistake her for a twelve-year old. Massie giggled. Derrick turned his attention to her.
"Claire, shame on you. Who is this?" Massie spoke up before Claire had a chance.
"I'm Massie Block." Derrick smiled.
"So this is the girl you sent Allie after?" Claire nodded curtly.
"I'm Derrick Harrington. But then again you did see me at the meeting didn't you?"
"Um, yeah."
"Well, nice to meet you anyway." He laughed, his smile almost taking up the whole of his face. Massie flushed. Claire raised an eyebrow
"Y-you too." He waved as he walked off, leaving Massie much more confused than she had been when he arrived.
--
"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself."
-Friedrich Nietzsche
--
A/N: That's the end of chapter two. Sorry it took so long to get out. It was Claire-centric, but Massie will pop up more in the next chapter.
P.S.: In case you were wondering, the final word count for this chapter is…
3,578 words in Microsoft Works Word Processor, and five pages in 10 pt in Times New Roman.
:-)
I'll try to update soon. Until then, please review. I'd love to hear input. What is good, what needs to be improved, etc.
